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865-982-6452

Tri-Cities

423-975-9111

Operating Hours

Parts & Service

M-F 7am - 5pm

Sales & Rentals

M-F 8am - 5pm

Contact Us

865-982-6452

Sales: Blake Wilson

Parts/Service: Terry Nichols

Maintaining tracks on excavators and other heavy machinery is vital for containing costs and ensuring the longevity of construction equipment
Equipment Maintenance Heavy Equipment
September 1, 2024

Even Heavy Equipment Tracks Require Maintenance

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Emily Bieger

Maintaining tracks on excavators and other heavy machinery is vital for containing costs and ensuring the longevity of construction equipment. Since new tracks can be expensive, and complex installation procedures can add to that expense, extending the life of a machine’s tracks through proper maintenance is smart business. While every tracked machine will eventually need new tracks, proper care and attention can significantly extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, many operators are lax in this aspect of equipment care.

Here are five essential tips to help maximize the life of your current tracks and keep your tracked machinery operating efficiently and smoothly.

1. Choose the Right Tracks for the Job

Selecting the right track width for the conditions you’ll be working in is crucial. Narrow tracks are better for hard-packed soil or rocky terrain, while wider tracks are optimal for soft or muddy ground. Picking the proper track width ensures safety, even weight distribution and will help prevent your machine from sinking into the ground.

2. Smart Driving Practices

Although this may sound obvious, it’s important to utilize proper driving skills to prolong the life of your tracks. Avoid driving over sharp or damaging materials, curbs, or chemicals. Steer clear of steep inclines or declines and minimize time spent on harsh surfaces like asphalt or concrete. And always drive with the machine facing forward to reduce wear and prevent unnecessary track stress. Pay attention to how the machine drives and operates, listening for unusual friction or grinding noises and anything out of the ordinary will help catch issues before they can incur expensive damage.

3. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Muddy tracks need to be kept clean for maximum. longevity.

Keeping your tracks clean helps avoid premature wear. Use a track spade or power washer to remove dirt and debris after each use. Accumulated dirt can affect fuel efficiency as well as cause damage, especially in the winter when frozen dirt/soil can impact rollers and bolts more easily. Be sure to regularly inspect the undercarriage for damage, misalignment, oil leaks, or erosion to the machine.

4. Proper Track Tension and Storage

Check and adjust track tension routinely to prevent damage and performance issues. Loose tracks can slip off and delay completion of your work. Inversely, overly tight tracks may strain mechanicals of machinery. When storing tracks, keep them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Periodically run the machine to avoid warping that may come from a machine staying idle for too long.

5. Thoughtful New Track Installation

When it’s time to install new tracks, proper installation is critical to avoid damage and ensure long-lasting tracks for equipment. Consider having a professional handle this process. If you chose to do it yourself, be sure to follow all safety protocols and wear the appropriate gear. Make sure both tracks are replaced at the same time to maintain balanced usage wear and prolong an expensive piece of equipment’s lifespan.

Following proper care protocols and maintenance schedules will make sure you get the full usefulness, value, and longevity out of your equipment’s tracks. For more details, consult the expert technicians at Contractor’s Machinery. We’re here to help!

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CASE equipment for all types of excavation projects.
Heavy Equipment
July 14, 2024

CASE Equipment to Tackle Excavation Projects

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Contractors Machinery

Topsoil Excavation

Topsoil excavation is one of the most common types of excavation required in almost all construction projects. It is often the first step before laying the foundation or installing pipelines. Having the correct heavy-duty equipment for topsoil removal is crucial to the success of a project. CASE offers a variety of excavators, any of which can be used for such a job, with equipment ranging from compact to large.

Rock Excavation

Many soils contain large rocks or even boulders, necessitating rock excavation before construction can begin. The CASE CX140E or CX490E models are typically used and recommended for rock removal and relocation. Heavy excavators with hydraulic hammers help break up the tough East Tennessee rock for removal.

Footing Excavation

Every foundation requires footings to stabilize the structure and prevent it from sinking or collapsing. Footing excavation is necessary to dig trenches for this essential support. To meet this need, CASE has developed machinery perfect for the job. The CASE CX57C and CX60C Mini Excavators are ideal for residential footings and small commercial buildings, while the CX75 and CX80C Midi Excavators are often used for larger projects. 

Earth Excavation

Earth excavation involves removing the spoil, which is the layer of earth directly below the topsoil. The spoil is used to construct embankments, foundations, bridges, and ditches. Due to the nature of this work, larger excavators with greater bucket capacity are often recommended such as the CASE CX300D and CX500D.

Cut and Fill Excavation

Cut and fill excavation, which involves removing topsoil and spoil to form embankments, raise sections of land, and create foundation filling, often requires large, heavy-duty excavators. At Contractor’s Machinery you’ll find tough excavators like the CASE CX140 and CX500D, either of which can easily gt the job done in comfort and with 6% greater breakout force.

Trench Excavation

Trench Excavation is like footing excavation but applies to a broader range of applications. Trench excavation is used to dig trenches for sewer and pipeline installations, as well as for telephone and electric lines. Since trench excavation is done in stages to prevent deeper trenches from collapsing, it’s important to have equipment that can operate in smaller areas. For utility construction in tight spaces, the short tail radius models of the CASE excavator line are ideal. This includes the CASE CX60C, CX80C, CX145D SR, and CX245D SR.

Dredge Excavation

When the job calls for debris to be removed from the bottom of bodies of water, this is known as dredge excavation. Debris removal allows boats and other vessels to pass without scraping their hulls or getting stuck on obstructions. This type of excavation requires long-reach equipment, and CASE’s long-reach excavators are perfect for the job. Both the CASE CX220E and CX260E models will become exceptionally valuable tools for your fleet.

Muck Excavation

Muck, a mixture of soil and water, is present on many job sites and often needs to be removed to allow work to continue. Removing muck helps dry out an area or relocating it as needed. All CASE excavators can be used for muck removal, depending on the size of the project. We’re happy to help guide you as you choose the right machinery for the situation.

Basement Excavation

Basement excavation involves digging up a large area of soil, dirt, and rock to create space for installing basements or other underground structures. Due to the often-limited space, basement excavation generally requires mid-size excavators. This makes machinery like the CASE CX80C or the CX210 your go to excavators. 

Borrow Excavation

Need materials moved from one job site to another? To ensure that dirt, sand, or soil is moved and loaded into trucks efficiently and safely requires powerful, full-size excavators with big bucket capacity. The CASE CX210 and the CX750D have buckets ranging in size from 36”-96” and the lifting strength to get the job done is less time.

Contact Us

We’d love to help you find the right equipment for the job at hand. For more information about purchasing or renting CASE equipment, please contact the CMI sales team at 865-982-6452 or by email at blake@cmiCASE.com.

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Trends for heavy equipment in 2024.
Heavy Equipment
May 7, 2024

Heavy Equipment Trends in 2024

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Contractors Machinery

Ever-advancing technology and green energy are the consistent focal points for advancement as manufacturers charge into 2024. Large machines are becoming safer, more accurate, and more environmentally friendly, as the industry now looks to prioritizing autonomy as it meets the demands of this modern world.

The global trend for all vehicles is continued progress toward becoming carbon neutral. The automotive industry has been transformed with this goal in mind, and 2024 is finding that construction machinery is making huge strides in this area as well. Although history has proven that smaller equipment (such as mini excavators) can effectively run “green”, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 unveiled several prototypes of larger machines that employ alternative power sources as well.

These electric machines offer fuel savings (the cost of diesel fuel remaining the foremost expense for the operator) and reduced toxic emissions in the environment. Unfortunately, charging time of electric equipment has been a challenge to the construction industry, where every hour counts toward (or against) getting the job done on time. Again, technology is the hero in this story. It is evolving to lessen charging time for these massive vehicles, so operators are finding that they can cut charging hours while prioritizing the health of our environment.

For those machines that currently continue to demand diesel fuel, manufacturers are exploring technology that will at least lower the emission of that fuel. This is resulting in longer operation with less harm to the environment.

In addition to using advanced technology toward energy savings, manufactures are making safety a priority in 2024. Heavy machines are being equipped with object detection proximity sensors and blind spot monitors, which emit a loud sound when objects are near that the operator might not be able to see.

in addition, camera systems are being added to machines that not only increase rearview but all-around view as well (AVMs.). These AVMs are dramatically increasing an operator’s perspective of the job site.  He or she no longer spend valuable job time checking the site manually. These cameras afford 270 degrees of visibility, substantially decreasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Progress in creating autonomy in the construction equipment industry is perhaps the most significant trend of 2024, as it encompasses all the goals of the industry. Manufacturers are investing in technology that allows equipment to be monitored and controlled remotely. Some are currently testing excavators and wheel loaders that can even effectively perform without an operator in the cab. Manufacturers are encouraged to explore this option, since it addresses the common problem of labor shortages in addition to cutting down the hazards of dangerous jobsites.

CASE is committed to leading the progress charge in 2024 to present operators with the most effective, energy-saving machines possible. Click here to get a glance at the CASE products available, or chat with a representative at CMI today to make sure your fleet is effectively meeting the needs of the construction industry in 2024.

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The CASE D series full size excavator is built with the operator in mind.
Heavy Equipment
April 1, 2024

D Series Full Size Excavators

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Contractors Machinery

Redefining “full-sized” for the industry.

CASE knows that when you’re looking for a “full-sized” machine, you’re considering far more than loading capacity and engine power. These are the essentials, and this article will outline all the bells and whistles of its D Series Full Size Excavator. But first, let’s take a look at what’s in this machine just for YOU, the operator.

We know your job is hard enough…no need for the cab of your machine to be. This excavator was designed with comfort, capacity, and control:

COMFORT: Painfully long work days mean you can’t afford to be tortured by a cramped space and cruel seating. An ergonomic approach to its design means no more wincing and moaning when climbing out of your cab.

Series D engineers considered everything from legroom to temperature, seat cushion to placement of controls in order to provide the utmost comfort as well as protection from noise and vibration. The cab is extra-wide, pressurized, and is viscous-mounted, preventing breakage commonly caused by rough terrain.

In addition to the necessary comfort, this cab comes with some “luxuries”. An AM/FM Bluetooth radio, USB connection and phone charger mean the operator never needs to lose touch with the office or home while at the job site and the work environment just got much more satisfying.

CAPACITY: This full size excavator provides 6% greater breakout force and fuel savings than its competitors through the use of hydraulic power. Its arm and boom are more effective than ever, and the machine delivers with faster cycle times and greater precision.

CONTROL:  This increased capacity is credited to CASE’s Intelligent Hydraulic System (CIHS), which incorporates a larger main valve with an electronically-controlled pump and multiple hydraulic sensors. Having a powerful machine is of limited effectiveness if that power isn’t harnessed to get the job done with pinpoint accuracy and efficiency. The Series D full size excavator does it ALL, adjusting the hydraulic pressure of the machine according to the specific job at hand. Consider this:

  • Boom Economy Control (BEC) reduces RPMs during down and swing.
  • Auto Economy Control (AEC) lowers RPMs during idling.
  • Swing Relief Control (SWC) efficiently regulates hydraulic swing power when coming out of a hole and moving toward a truck or pile.
  • Spool Stoke Control (SSC) adjusts hydraulic pressure to optimal outputs and minimizes unneeded operational functions.

Case’s Series D full size excavator sets a new bar for the construction industry. CMI is proud to help put this ground-breaking (literally!) machine in to the hands of your operators!

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Buying new or used equipment. Today's blog breaks it down.
Equipment Maintenance
January 17, 2024

New or Used?

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Contractors Machinery

Some easy ways to answer a hard equipment question.

When you need to increase your fleet, you may have a better option than buying new. Purchasing used machinery isn’t only a great idea for the small business owner who doesn’t have the capital to purchase new; there are advantages for every business owner that are worth considering. If you are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a used equipment purchase, just be sure you can check all the necessary boxes and have genuine savings in the end.

CONDITION – Since there will always be some unknowns when buying used construction equipment, it’s critical that you ask as many questions as possible. (a) Can the owner verify the operational hours on the equipment? (b) How about a complete service history? (c) Will there be any type of warranty on your used equipment? The answers to these questions (or lack of answers) may quickly determine your decision. If you’re still leaning toward used, have a third party do a thorough inspection.

PRICE – Determine that the purchase price really is lower than buying new. Just like with a car, equipment dealers have some “wiggle room”. This increases if you’re buying multiple machines, so make sure you really know the rock-bottom costs you are comparing. Another factor in determining price is interest rates. They must be factored in when you are comparing prices of new and used alike.

AVAILABILITY – Factories typically have a substantial production lead time. Once you place an order for a new machine it may be months before your equipment hits the job site. In fact, you may need to rent equipment temporarily until yours arrives. In an industry where time equals money, this is a necessary consideration. If you buy used, it’s possible to have your new skid steer lifting, excavator digging, and dozer moving within a few days.

VALUE – New heavy-duty equipment depreciates the second it leads the dealership. This will hit hardest when it’s time to sell. Used equipment doesn’t carry the same depreciation, so the buying and selling price point should be much less substantial.

TECHNOLOGY – There are substantial technological advancements being made each year in the heavy equipment industry. If these are critical to your work, get creative and take the financial plunge…new will be your best decision in the long run.

When all things are considered, you may conclude that it’s best for your business to buy new. But don’t rule out used until all things truly are considered! You just may have a better pre-owned option. Call your CMI-Case dealer today to find out more.

Knoxville | 865.982.6452
Tri-Cites | 423.975.9111

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Heavy Equipment
November 1, 2023

Skid Loader & Mini-Excavator vs Backhoe Loader

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Contractors Machinery

Skid Loader & Mini Excavator vs Backhoe Loader – Which is Right for You?

If you’ve got a big job to do, choosing the right equipment is critical. The Skid Loader/Mini-Excavator Combo vs. the Backhoe Loader has been a major change in the construction industry over the last 10 years. They both have advantages and are designed to for a multitude of tasks. Make sure you use the correct one; it will save hours…if not days…of frustration!

Backhoe Loader – Larger, with great excavation capability

Backhoe Loader

CASE Backhoe Loader

 

Versatility is a primary advantage of the backhoe loader. Not only is it capable of driving across large jobsites and the road at speeds exceeding 20 mph the backhoe side of the machine is a powerful, deep digging excavator. The backhoe provides greater reach and digging depth than most mini excavators. Digging 15’ trenches, basements, foundations…? The backhoe loader is capable of these tasks.

The backhoe loader is not only for the use of excavation, however. The front of the machine contains a loader designed for loading, transporting, and dumping construction materials. Overall, it has greater capacity to handle heavy loads than the skid loader.

Although there are some distinct advantages to choosing the backhoe, one disadvantage is its size. It was created for major lifting and excavation; if the site demands navigating tight spaces, the skid loader/mini excavator may be the better choice.

Compact Track Loader/Skid-Steer Loaders & Mini Excavator – Smaller, with greater maneuverability 

CTL

CASE Compact Track Loader or Skid Steer Loader

 

Obviously, with two pieces of equipment owners can have multiple jobs taking place at the same time with two operators. The CTL and Mini-Excavator markets are the largest unit volume markets in the construction equipment industry.

Referred to as Compact Track Loaders or skid-steer loaders, the skid loader has a unique design. The frame is rigid and contains either wheels or tracks. These simply skid on one side while the other side is locked in place, allowing the driver to turn to the right or the left with great agility.

A smaller machine than the backhoe, the skid loader has the capabilities to also lift and perform most loader excavation jobs. This machine contains a quick-attach system for the ease of adding buckets, trenchers, grapples, forks, sweepers. It’s a versatile machine, excellent for smaller excavation and lighter loading jobs. Coupled with a mini excavator for trenching work this is a hard combo to beat.

CMI-Case prides itself in providing the perfect machine for every job! If you have any additional questions about which is best for you, see a CMI dealer today and rest assured you will make the best choice for the construction task at hand.

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CASE SiteWatch Technology
Equipment Maintenance
February 27, 2023

CASE and the Integration of Technology

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Contractors Machinery

Technology is transforming virtually every industry, and CASE is taking full advantage of the latest technological advances to keep its equipment a step above competitors!

A large equipment company can only be as successful as the health performance of its machines. Having accurate operation data on every machine in the fleet is vital to CASE’s success. Utilizing SiteWatch telematics it is possible to track every aspect of performance, ensuring optimum execution of all equipment and efficient maintenance management of all fleets.  Because it complies with AEMP (Association of Equipment Management Professionals) 2.0 telematics standards, SiteWatch is compatible to literally any size fleets.

Through SiteWatch telematics, the large equipment user no longer has to search for and report critical data; rather, it is electronically available at his/her fingertips, thus eliminating any potential human error. In the office, out on the field, or anywhere there is internet connection. SiteWatch keeps track of the entire fleet on a single interface, revealing any performance and safety concerns, as well as maximizing the efficiency of every component of each machine on the fleet.

Site Control is another game-changer in the progression of CASE equipment, applying this very simple concept: “Move dirt once.” SiteControl has significantly equipped the user to do just that in the exquisitely precise process of grading. This 3D Grade Control program helps to lower costs and increase profitability of each company that utilizes CASE equipment.  The precision with which SiteControl allows machines to work means an increase in efficiency and a decrease of wear and tear on earth-moving equipment. With SiteControl technology, fleet managers can decrease costs in addition to minimizing chances of theft and damage to the equipment.

Utilizing the very latest in this world of technology, CASE provides everything you need for dozers, graders, excavators, and more! Contact CMI-Case today to see how SiteWatch and SiteControl can transform the bottom line for your company!

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Heavy Equipment
August 1, 2022

Six Decades of Progress in Construction Equipment

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Contractors Machinery

Technology has changed the face of the world in the last three decades.  But truth be told, the technological innovations in the equipment industry have been on a constant incline since the 1960s!

Since Contractor’s Machinery, Inc. (CMI) opened in 1976, there have been steady improvements made on equipment noise levels and exhaust emissions, durability, safety, and ease of operation. The result of these technological advances has been considerable increase in the durability and efficiency of these machines.

A brief historical look at our industry reveals the progress of this business. Some of the key players were the introduction of hydraulics, then the popularity of the backhoe-loader. These led to the hydraulic excavator and articulated dump truck.

The advances in recent years have been in large degree related to the safety of operators and our environment. Increased controls in handling as well as regulations of diesel engine emissions resulted in electronic-controlled engines.

Most recently, automated grade control systems have been surfacing as a major technological advancement in the large machine industry. These have proven that computerized technology allows us to increase the precision and speed of work, ultimately meaning more financial profit for the business owner.

Often an increase in the “bells and whistles”, means the longevity of a vehicle is decreased.  This has NOT proven true in the large equipment industry! William Nash, Owner & President of CMI-Case, claims that the expected life of the equipment has more than doubled! The machines are using less fuel, performing more productively, and operating longer without needing engine work.

Technology advances are a win-win for the large equipment industry. CMI-Case and CASE Construction Equipment are committed to supplying top-of-the-line products that are more effective and efficient than ever before. 

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CASE heavy duty equipment lineup.
Contractors Heavy Equipment
April 8, 2022

What’s What in the World of Construction Equipment

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Emily Bieger

It’s spring, and you can hear the engines starting to rev! Construction equipment is in high demand, as building continues to soar throughout the nation! Before you make the substantial investment in heavy machinery, make sure you have the right equipment for your job.

Excavators: Used for digging, demolition, handling materials, trenching, earthmoving…the excavator uses a boom, dipper, bucket, and attachments for a broad range of uses. Excavators come in a range of sizes, 4,000 lbs. to 158,000 lbs. Mini-Excavators are second only to CTL’s as the most popular Case machine in East Tennessee.

Backhoe/Loaders: The Swiss Army Knife of construction equipment and CASE’s flagship product. Utilized for excavation, material handling, demolition, and landscaping, the backhoe has both a front-facing loader bucket or blade and a rear-facing backhoe with bucket.    

Bulldozers: Utilized to clear, dig, and level land. The dozer has metal tracks and a 4 or 6-Way blade that pushes earth, sand, brush, and debris.

Wheel Loaders: Utilized for material handling on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or dirt with a large front-end loader bucket. Wheel Loaders articulate in the middle and offer higher speeds for large jobsite material handling.

Compact Track Loaders: CTL’s are the most sold type of construction equipment on the market today. Extremely versatile rubber track machines utilized on nearly every construction project in East TN. Multitude of attachments are available for every task including buckets, trenchers, mulching heads, forks, brush cutters hammers, dozer blades and more. Although they look like skid steers, they generally have more horsepower and can carry heavier loads.

Skid Steers: Like the CTL but wheeled for use on concrete and asphalt, these also are available with multitude of attachments. The consensus is that tires hold up longer and are far smoother riding on hard surfaces.

Blake Wilson, general manager at Contractor’s Machinery Inc. (CMI), says the most important factor to consider when buying heavy equipment is the type of work you are planning to pursue and what you are looking for from your equipment dealer. Since 1971 CMI has been keeping contractors working in East Tennessee.

Before you make any large machinery purchases, be sure to visit our CASE Equipment page. Review the extensive list of equipment available and talk to a CMI-Case representative! CMI wants this decision to be the very best for you and your business!

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Contractors
August 4, 2021

Contractor Appreciation Event

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Contractors Machinery

Contractors Machinery Inc. Open House & Lunch September 9th

It’s time we say THANK YOU to all of our customers! We appreciate our HARD-WORKING contractors who go all in and exceed expectations for your clients. Whether you’re working on a landscaping project with a Toro TXL 2000 or a larger scale project with a CASE 321F Compact Wheel Loader, you’re working with the most innovative equipment in the industry BAR NONE. We want to celebrate your success, our 50 years in business and our partnership together!

Take a load off on Thursday, September 9th from 11 am to 2 pm and plan to join us for lunch and an open house.

Plan to bring your crew; we’d love to meet the team that you roll up your sleeves with and introduce them to our team! We’ll have prize drawings and in-stock equipment ready for demo. Some of the vendors we expect to be on hand include: CASE, Toro, Trail King Trailers, Blue Diamond Attachments and Indeco Hydraulic Attachments. It will be a great event to network and meet fellow contractors in the area.

(Hint, hint: word on the street is, the prizes are pretty awesome.)

Get ready to let the good times roll with Contractor’s Machinery on September 9th! We can’t wait to say thanks to all our loyal customers who have helped build our business over the last 50 years. As we always say, we’re not just selling equipment, we’re building communities. You are, too. It’s who we are. It’s what we do.

After the event, we will be posting pictures on our social media and our blog. Stay tuned for updates! Be sure to tag your business and your crew.

Questions about the event? Give us a call: 865-982-6452

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423-975-9111
Parts & Service
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blake@cmicase.com
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